Caption: Rabies virus particle, illustration. The rabies virus is a neurotropic virus that causes rabies in humans and animals. These viruses are enveloped (cutaway section shown). The lipoprotein envelope carries spikes composed of glycoprotein G (yellow trimers). This virus has a single-stranded RNA genome protected by a nucleoprotein that forms an helical nucleocapsid (orange and blue monomers). The rabies virus has one end rounded or conical and the other end planar or concave. The virus infects the central nervous system, causing encephalopathy and ultimately death. Symptoms include fever, breathing difficulties, muscle spasms, and hydrophobia.